Breast Lift
Length of Surgery
2-3 Hours
Breast Lift
Short and
Sweet
Price Range
$7,800 Plus HST
Breast lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure which functions improve the contour of your breasts and tighten loose skin as a result of natural aging process or weight loss.
Summary of Surgery:
Mastopexy
Alternative names:
General Anesthesia
Type of Anesthesia:
1 weeks off from work
4-6 weeks before resuming physical activity
Recovery Period:
What is a Breast Lift?
At the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre, breast lift surgery is good option for women who are looking to restore the volume in the upper poles of the breast which is often lost through the aging process, weight fluctuation and pregnancy. Drooping of the breast tissues occurs in all women over time and is result of the lost of elasticity in the skin around their breasts and gravitation pull. Women with larger breast in their youth will often experience a more pronounced dropping with time.
A breast lift, technically called a Mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that involves tightening the skin and repositioning of the breast tissue and nipples. Unlike with breast augmentation surgery, volume is not added to the breasts during a breast lift procedure. Instead, the existing volume is repositioned higher on the chest, in a more aesthetically pleasing position.
Suitable Candidates
Candidates for a breast lift are individuals in good health and are experiencing drooping of the breast. During your consultation at the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre, Dr. Chivers can help guide you in terms of the appropriate surgical options to help accentuate your body contours and achieve your aesthetic goals.
Candidates for breast lift include patients with:
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nipples that face downward when breasts are unsupported by a bra, also know as ptosis of the breasts
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nipples that are folded under the breasts
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asymmetry between breast
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breast that have a loss of elasticity or firmness
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sagging breast with a flat, elongated shape
Even if your breasts don't precisely meet any of these criteria, if you are unhappy with the aesthetics of your breasts, set up a consultation appointment with Dr. Chivers to determine if breast lift surgery is the right option for you.
What is Breast Ptosis?
Ptosis is a medical term that describes sagging of the breast which is a natural consequence of aging. Factors that contribute to ptosis include cigarette smoking, number of pregnancies, breast size and gravity on breast and weight fluctuation. Women after menopause may experience a higher degree of ptosis due to the loss of elasticity in their skin.
The degree of ptosis is classified by plastic surgeons is in relation to the inframammary fold which influences the surgical procedure and degree of reconstruction needed for breast lifts.
Procedural Details
Breast lift surgery is performed under a general anesthesia. During the procedure, an incision is made beneath the breasts along the lower fold and in the middle of the lower breasts from the nipple down to the fold, like an inverted T-shape. A wedge shape area of skin along the lower side of the breast is removed and the breast tissue is lifted up through tightening of the skin. The nipple areola complex is re-positioned on the breast and the incisions are closed, leaving patients with increase volume in the upper poles of the breast and a more youthful, round and perkier breasts.
How Long does a Breast Lift Last?
A breast lift is a not a permanent solution as the same forces that create the need for a breast lift will eventually cause the breasts to droop again in the future. And while there is nothing that can be done to prevent the natural aging process, women who receive breast lift surgery should take extra care in limiting their exposure to sun and avoiding large fluctuations in their weight and stop smoking. With proper care, a the results of your breast lift surgery should last years or even decades.
Recovery
The recovery time for breast lift surgery is on par with or sometimes even shorter than the recovery time of most other elective surgeries. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for roughly two weeks while the incisions heal. After two weeks, patients can engage in increasingly more active behavior, although they should take particular care to avoid putting strain on their breasts or chest. Most patients will be able to fully resume all normal activities between 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery.
The recovery process also requires a follow-up appointment that will be scheduled at 1, 3 and 6 weeks after the surgery for continual management and post-operative care.
Post-Operative Instructions at a Glance
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Pain medication and antibiotics are prescribed for the first week following surgery. Any post-operative pain is typically mild to moderate and should be taken as prescribed.
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You will find tensors on your chest after surgery which should be worn for the first week even while sleeping. It can be switched to a sports bra afterwards.
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Patients are able to walk the day after surgery.
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Incisions are to be kept dry for the first week. Patients can shower after that.
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Patients are able to return to light duties at work typically after 2 weeks.
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Ends of dissolving sutures are trimmed at 3 weeks.
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Patients are able to resume full activities and to exercise after 6 weeks.
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Immersion of incisions in baths, hot tubs, pools, oceans should be avoided for 6 weeks.
Helpful Links
Consent form and Lists of Complications:
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) with Liposuction
Standard Pre-Operative Procedure Instructions
